Production tips for beginners

It's the dream of every beginner to produce a great film! Nothing wrong in dreaming big, but it makes sense to also be realistic about one’s limitations. Here are some tips for beginners:

• Analyse your strengths & weaknesses (equipment, locations, finance, talents--there're a host of them to consider!)
• For a beginning keep the idea simple & short. You can make longer videos when you gain experience.
• Have a story that has a fabulous beginning, middle and a bang of an end.
• Don't leave anything to chance. Plan out every small detail. If necessary do the entire storyboard.
• Discuss the shooting schedule with everybody involved in the film.
• Block your shots first. Press the record button only if you are satisfied with your blocking.
• Record every bit of sound on tape.
• Always shoot in terms of scenes and sequences. Use different camera angles/heights/shot sizes.
• Shoot a number of cut-aways, particularly if you are shooting non-fiction.
• To shoot a scene, begin with a long shot (master shot for fiction). Break up the master shot in MLSs/MCUs/CUs/POVs, OTSs etc. I repeat. Use different camera angles/heights/shot sizes.They lend visual variety.
• If you have planned a shot well, you will not need too many takes. Make note of the final/good take that you want to use in the film